Country: FRANCE

(Honorary Axe for Boarding the Enemy) Superb replacement model, 104x61 mm, cast in silver and engraved by hand "Le 1er Consul/au Cen Philippe Ferey/Matelot Timonier/Combat du 27 THer an 9/DEVt Boulogne" and subsequently gilt. The recipient was a navy quartermaster (matelot timonier) on the gunship Etna and received this award on 11 Brumaire of year X for having distinguished himself in the combat of Boulogne fl eet on 27 Thermidor year IX. It is during that naval battle that he had his right hand blown away by a cannonball. Extremely rare published reward! Provenance collection "General Stiot". III RR!